Dr. Ronald Colaco, a well-known entrepreneur and philanthropist, was honoured with the prestigious ‘Global Icon of Philanthropy’ award at the Beary’s Mela held at the Etisalat Academy Ground in Dubai on Sunday. The event, organized by the Bearys Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI), witnessed an overwhelming gathering of thousands of people, including prominent dignitaries, community leaders, and well-wishers who came together to celebrate his remarkable contributions to society.
During the award ceremony, Dr. Colaco made a heartfelt appeal to the audience, urging them to dedicate a portion of their earnings towards the welfare of the needy and homeless. In a moving moment, thousands of attendees stood up in unison to take a pledge, responding to his call for social service. The sight of an entire gathering committing themselves to humanitarian work reflected the deep impact of Dr. Colaco’s words and the inspiration he has provided through his lifelong dedication to philanthropy.
Sharing a personal anecdote, Dr. Colaco recalled a defining moment from his wedding day. Instead of taking traditional vows, he and his wife, Jean Colaco, made a commitment to dedicate a portion of their income towards public welfare, social causes, and efforts to promote peace across the world. This pledge, taken decades ago, became the foundation of their unwavering journey in philanthropy. Addressing the gathering, he stated that whatever he has done for society is not for recognition or awards but a fundamental responsibility he has always believed in. He emphasized that his and his wife’s contributions have never been restricted by caste, religion, or region, but have been solely aimed at uplifting the underprivileged. He urged those present at the event to take an active role in humanitarian work and to continue helping those in need, reinforcing the idea that even small acts of kindness can create a lasting impact.
In the program, Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa, Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker UT Khadar, State Haj Minister Raheem Khan, Vice Chairman of the Non-Resident Indian Forum of the Government of Karnataka Dr. Aarathi Krishna, Dubai Indian Consul Sateesh Kumar Sivan, and UAE’s Bearys Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI) President Hidayat Addoor, among others, were present.
Born in Moodbidri, a town in Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada district, Dr. Colaco has built a reputation not only as a successful businessman but also as a relentless social worker whose charitable efforts have transformed lives. His philanthropic activities have reached far and wide, earning him over 44 prestigious awards from various governments and organizations across the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Over the years, Dr. Colaco’s contributions have spanned various sectors, making a significant impact on public infrastructure, safety, education, healthcare, and religious institutions. He has played a pivotal role in improving law enforcement facilities by constructing police stations and a police museum in Bengaluru. Additionally, he has funded the construction of a revenue department office near the Bengaluru International Airport, ensuring better administrative services for the public. Recognizing the need to support the legal fraternity, he also took the initiative to build a modern Advocates’ Building, further enhancing access to legal resources.
Dr. Colaco’s contributions to religious and cultural institutions have been equally significant. He has constructed Hindu temples and renovated over 35 historical temples, including the Muneshwara Temple in Agrahara Bovipalya and the 700-year-old Madduramma Temple in Singarahalli, Bengaluru. His philanthropic efforts have also extended to the Sri Suryanarayana Temple in Mangaluru, among several others. Apart from supporting Hindu places of worship, he has generously contributed to the renovation and development of mosques and churches, assisting in the construction and restoration of more than 60 churches across different regions.
His impact on education and healthcare has been transformative. Dr. Colaco has provided financial assistance to nearly 70 schools, ensuring better infrastructure and learning facilities for students. He has also extended scholarships to underprivileged children, enabling them to pursue higher education without financial constraints. His support has led to the establishment of modern educational institutions, hostels, libraries, and other essential academic facilities, ensuring that students from economically weaker backgrounds have access to quality education. In the healthcare sector, he has funded hospitals, medical camps, and various health programs across India, helping to provide medical assistance to those who cannot afford it.
Recognized globally for his philanthropic contributions, Dr. Colaco has been conferred with numerous honours, including honorary citizenships from international governments and awards from law enforcement agencies, legal organizations, and social institutions. His dedication to fostering interfaith harmony, community welfare, and nation-building has set an example for countless individuals who wish to contribute to society in meaningful ways.
One of his major contributions has been towards the World Konkani Bhavan, an institution that serves as a cultural and intellectual hub for the Konkani-speaking community. His support for the Bhavan has played a crucial role in preserving and promoting Konkani language, literature, and heritage, further solidifying his commitment to the development of communities and cultural identities.
Dr. Ronald Colaco’s efforts have left a lasting imprint on society, inspiring people across the globe to come forward and contribute towards a better world.
